The 5th Annual Made Here Market!
Made Here Market is about to happen for the 5th year. It is a beloved event in our community. Most people love the chance to wander down Cedar Ave, check out all the inspiring local makers, listen to great music, and grab a bite to eat. But the reason and heart behind Made Here Market is so much more than just that.
In late 2018, The Biz Foundry team (Jeff Brown, Ashley Michael, and myself) saw a need for a place for local makers to showcase their wares. We realized there were barn sales, fairground events, and other venues to set up, but our local makers were competing against people who were getting products shipped in from overseas or MLMs. That doesn’t even the playing field. Mass-produced items can be priced much cheaper than items handmade in our community.
Artists often forget that they are business owners. They enjoy the process of making. They enjoy having others see and use their works of art, but at the end of the day, they are also a business and should be treated and respected as such. We created the Made Here Market for that purpose: To celebrate LOCAL makers, their craft, their hard work, and their creations.
As times have changed, there has been pressure to expand the Made Here Market to integrate it into the music scene or expand booths to any vendor who wants to pay the fee. The original mission we set out with was to celebrate makers of the Upper Cumberland region. This year we have 12 youth vendors, over 65 makers total representing over half the counties in the Upper Cumberland region. As an entrepreneur center, we also strive to do things that help impact our local economy. Made Here Market is a prime example of just such a thing.
Are you ready for a day of exploration, creativity, and supporting local talent? Look no further than the 5th Annual Made Here Market, happening on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. right here at The Biz Foundry. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Upper Cumberland Makers as we showcase their incredible talents and one-of-a-kind creations.
